Aurora del Vecchio (she/her) (Dorothy) is a senior Popular Music major at Catawba. Most recently, she has been seen in Catawba’s productions of Urinetown (Mrs. Millennium) and Carrie: the Musical (Sue Snell). You may also have seen her in many of the Popular Music Vernaculars performances. Aurora is a proud alumnus of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting Summer Conservatory and currently studies voice under Nicholas Fuqua here at Catawba. Special thanks to her family and friends, the cast, crew, and production team for their hard work and guidance, and Mac Tabby Cat Cafe for emotional support. She dedicates her performance to her Nonna, who she will see again over the rainbow.

Denise McKercher (she/her) (Aunt Em) ('23 MHS) welcomes the opportunity to perform in her first college-level theatrical, staging the role of Aunt Em in Catawba's production of The Wizard of Oz. Some of her larger roles include Widow Beckwith in Shiloh Rules, Madam Paroo in The Music Man, Fairy June in Southern Fried Funeral, and multiple roles in two different versions of A Christmas Carol. She has appeared in over 30 productions throughout the piedmont area of North Carolina.

In addition to performing on stage, Denise has had a hand in many of the non-spotlit aspects of theatre, including stage managing, set building, prop work, running both sound and light boards, and play selection. However, her favorite offstage opportunities have been in script writing, having had several 10-minute plays produced, and directing, with over 10 directorial credits.

Outside of the theatre you can find her providing services as a mental health therapist with LifeStance Health in Concord. Which, if you think about it, those two things have a lot in common: finding out what makes a person/character who they really are.

Rod Oden (he/him) (Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard) is the Executive Artistic Director of Lee Street theatre, where he is proud to help cultivate bold, inclusive, and community-driven storytelling in Salisbury. As a performer, Rod has appeared in numerous productions both onstage and behind the scenes, including Witness for the Prosecution, I Hate Hamlet, Lombardi, And Then There Were None, and Deathtrap, to name a few. He brings a passion for collaboration and a deep love of live theatre to every project. His work at Lee Street theatre focuses on creating meaningful artistic experiences while fostering opportunities for artists of all backgrounds. Rod is grateful to share the stage with this talented company and thanks the community for continuing to support local theatre. He would also like to thank his wonderful family—especially his amazing wife, Raquel—for their unwavering support of all his endeavors.

Clinton Efird (he/him) (Scarecrow/Hunk) is a sophomore at Catawba College majoring in the BFA Musical Theatre program. His most recent ventures include portraying Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown: The Musical and Billy Nolan in Carrie: The Musical. He has also performed in over twenty shows at various theaters over the years. Some of his favorites include Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Lumière), Macbeth (Macbeth), The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), and Almost, Maine (East). He would like to give praise to all of the talented minds who helped make this show a reality and for the loving, friendly environment that makes Catawba feel like home. Although he’s got no brains, he knows this show will certainly make you jitter. To Oz!

Zoë Logan (she/her) (Tinman/Hickory) is a junior at catawba college studying Theatre: Performance and is beyond excited to perform in Keppel Auditorium for the first time! She has participated in productions like Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania/Hippolyta), Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), and Carrie (Miss Gardener). She hopes you enjoy the show!

Noah Haberacker (he/him) (Lion/Zeke) is a senior studying popular music with a minor in musical theater hailing from Concord NC. Recently you may have seen him in Piedmont Players Production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee or In I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Catawba College. Noah would be LION if he said he wasn’t incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring you this show in the beautiful Keppel Auditorium. Noah would like to give special thanks to his family and friends.

Alana Williamson (she/her) (Wicked Witch/Miss Gulch) is a Senior Musical Theatre Major at Catawba College. She’s so grateful work with the company of the Wizard of Oz. Some of her recent credits include Old Man Strong (Dance Captian) in Urinetown, Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Narrator 2 in The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon, Marianne Angelle in The Revolutionists, Tilly in She Kills Monsters, Governor's Aide/Melvin P Thorpe Singer in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky. She would like to thank all of the fantabulous humans for their love and support!

Todd Bassinger (he/him) (Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz) is a native of Stanly County and currently lives in Albemarle. He is employed at Novant Health in the Information Technology Department. He was most recently seen in Smoke on the Mountain. Other credits with the Uwharrie Players include, Down to Earth, Bright Star, Southern Fried Nuptials,The Addams Family Musical and Once Upon a Mattress (Old Courthouse Theater), Arsenic and Old Lace and Bright Star (Matthews Playhouse), just to name a few. He hopes you enjoy the show!

AG Anderson (she/her) (Glinda/Jitterbug) is a freshman majoring in Musical Theatre and English. You may have seen her last semester as Swift and May in A Night With David Ives. She is thankful for the opportunity to perform with such a talent cast and hopes you enjoy the show!

Brenton Taylor (he/him) (Winkie General/Ensemble) is so excited to be The Winkie General! He is just a few months off his latest production, A Night With David Ives, and is hoping to help Catawba put on another amazing show. Some audience members may also remember him as George from last year’s Carrie: The Musical and previously played Schroeder in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. He would also like to express his gratitude to his friends and family for all of their support. Yo-Hee-Hoo!

Maryella Rosko (she/her) (Nikko/Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of The Wizard of Oz! She is a freshman here at Catawba doubling majoring in Exercise Science and Popular Music. She is also the freshman SGA Vice President as well as a member of the dining hall and public safety council. You might have recently seen her in Urinetown, The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon, Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour. In her lack of free time she likes exploring campus, eating tater tots, and hanging out with friends.

Oliver Avery (he/him) (Ensemble) is a sophomore communications major. He has worked as a crew member on Love/Sick, been a part of the cast in Urinetown, worked as props master for Becky Nurse of Salem, and is excited to be a member of the ensemble for the wonderful Wizard of Oz. He has always loved the theatrical arts and is excited to continue to pursue his passion at Catawba. When not in the theatre, Oliver loves drawing, listening to music, and spending time with his friends. He’s a part of Blue Masque and is often seen working in the campus library between classes. He is thankful to everyone in his life who has supported him on and off the stage, and for the opportunity to learn and be part of this amazing show.  

Aslyn Goodwin (she/her) (Ensemble/Youth Ensemble Manager) is a senior Theatre Arts (B.A.) major here at Catawba College. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, she is grateful to have found her way here! You might have seen her both onstage and off here at Catawba and in the community. Aslyn is thrilled to be working on this production as both a child wrangler and a member of the ensemble and is very thankful for the opportunity. She would love to give a huge shout out to all of the young people in this show and the work they have put into it! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Francine Green Thomas (they/them) (Ensemble) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre student. You may have seen them in other musicals like Carrie or Spring Awakening. They have also been a part of Blue Masque productions, such as Breadcrumbs and Alabaster. Outside of performance, Francine has done design and stage management work. Most recently, they have designed puppets for Hand to God. Francine is grateful to perform and is ecstatic to be part of a show on Keppel. They hope you enjoy the show!

Mak Petersen (he/him) (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Musical Theatre and BS Theatre Administration double major. You may have previously seen him acting in Love/Sick as Man/Andy/Bill/Kevin, performing as part of the Where Are The Diamonds? Improv Troupe, or also being onstage as Office Friendly/Magistrate/Judge/Creepy Voice in Becky Nurse of Salem. Mak has had an absolutely amazing time getting to be a part of The Wizard of Oz and hopes you enjoy the show!

Gary Lane (he/him) (Ensemble) is a first-year student and is super excited to be a part of The Wizard of Oz. Previous credits include Bob in Becky Nurse of Salem, David Attenborough in A Night with David Ives, Daniel in Once on This Island, Beetle in The Boy Preference, and more. He has also competed in the Blumey Awards as a Best Actor Finalist, and in statewide competitions such as NCTC. He’d like to send a thanks to his teachers, friends, partner, and family for their constant support. Much love!

 Jovey McFarland (she/her) (Ensemble/Dance Captain/Lead Jitterbug) is excited to be making her debut on the Keppel stage, dancing up a storm! Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she is a junior at Catawba pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her recent credits include Schwarzy (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) at Piedmont Players Theatre, Woman 2 (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and Kate Monster (Avenue Q) at Catawba College, as well as Agnes (She Kills Monsters) at Lee Street Theatre. She wants to thank her family for their continued support as she pursues her passion, even if it means being far from home. She also wants to thank Dave, Nicholas, and Kristin for such a wonderful rehearsal process, as well as everyone for coming to see the show!  

Giana Tucciarone (she/her) (Ensemble) is a junior musical theatre major, music minor. Giana transferred to Catawba after earning her AFA in Theatre Performance from Central Piedmont Community College in 2025. She made her Catawba acting debut last semester playing Woman, Celia, Kelly, Abby and Jill in Love/Sick. Though she's new to Catawba, she's been involved in community theatre for several years. Recent favorite roles include: Lucy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown(Theatre Statesville), Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act (The Green Room) and The Proprietor in Assassins (Old Colony Players). Giana thanks you for being here and hopes you enjoy the journey to the merry old Land of Oz!

Madeline Ubry (she/her) (Ensemble) is making her Catawba College stage debut in The Wizard of Oz as a member of the ensemble and a crow, but she is not new to show life. She has been doing musical theater, both on stage and behind the scenes, since she was eight years old. Some of her favorite shows she's participated in over the years include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lion King Jr, White Christmas, SIX Teen Edition, and Legally Blonde. Madeline has taken years of dance and voice lessons and is excited to use these skills on the stage again. Outside of theater, Madeline is a nature enthusiast and spends a lot of time outside. She also likes reading, traveling, and baking. Madeline is very excited to be back on stage and hopes you enjoy the show!

Luca Narciso (he/him) (Wizard Head Puppeteer) is a First-Year and is a Wizard Head Puppeteer and Technical Director & Fly Captain for this production! He is a Design and Production Major. He’s loved his time here having played Senator Fipp In Urinetown and he’s enjoyed Lighting Designing for Hand to God! When he's not working either behind the scenes or on stage, he loves to fix things and sew! He is super excited to blow minds with the craziness of this show. Luca wants to thank everyone who helped build it, acted in it, and & the Meco Wizard of Oz Soundtrack for making it all possible! He hopes you enjoy the show!!!

David's awards and honors include First Place in the Southeastern Theatre Conference Scene Design competition in two consecutive years. David designed scenery for the University of Alabama's production of Amorphous George. This new play was selected for national presentation at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of the American College Theatre Festival. David has also been recognized by ACTF Region IV for his designs for Catfish Moon and Hedda Gabler.

David has postgraduate training and/or study in theatre scene painting, art history, watercolor, sculpture, business management and accounting for non-profit organizations, graphic design, computer graphics, and computer-based instruction.

Jess Slapnik (Jess) (they/them) (Assistant Choreographer) is a sophomore at Catawba. They are a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BS in Theatre Arts Administration Major, as well as a dance minor. Some of their previous acting credits include: Urinetown (Dr. Billeaux/Dance Captain), Breadcrumbs (Beth/Mother), and The Phantom of the Opera (Meg Giry). Previous choreography credits include: A Chorus Line (Choreographer) and Aladdin Jr. (Choreographer). Jess completed their first paid theatre job this summer, working as a cast member and a part of the lighting crew on the Young Americans Midwest Summer Tour 2025. They want to thank Kristin, Jovey, Aslyn, Chelby, Grayce, and Dave for all of their hard work and for being so supportive throughout this whole process! Enjoy the wonderful land of Oz!

Jovey McFarland (she/her) (Dance Captain) is excited to be making her debut on the Keppel stage, dancing up a storm! Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she is a junior at Catawba pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her recent credits include Schwarzy (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) at Piedmont Players Theatre, Woman 2 (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and Kate Monster (Avenue Q) at Catawba College, as well as Agnes (She Kills Monsters) at Lee Street Theatre. She wants to thank her family for their continued support as she pursues her passion, even if it means being far from home. She also wants to thank Dave, Nicholas, and Kristin for such a wonderful rehearsal process, as well as everyone for coming to see the show!  

Erin B. Dougherty (Costume Design) is currently the resident Costume Design Professor and Chair at Catawba College where she designs and supervises student designers regularly. She has also worked professionally for several regional companies including Glimmerglass Opera and Trollwood Performing Arts School. She is delighted to be making her debut at Three Bone. Her designs include: Misery, Blithe Spirit, RENT (Lee Street), Carrie: The Musical, Spring’s Awakening, Love/Sick (Catawba), The Foreigner (Theatre Charlotte), Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night (Collaborative Arts) and Death of a Salesman (Tribhuvan University, Nepal). While she considers herself a relative theatre generalist, she has a love for costume crafts, cosplay, and millinery.

Evan Moreno (he/him) (Wig/Makeup Designer/Wardrob) This is the second show with Wigs and Makeup designed by Evan, the first being Disenchanted at Lee Street Theatre. This has been a very fun and collaborative process with the actors to create the visuals you see on stage! Enjoy!

Aslyn Goodwin (she/her) (Puppets/Youth Ensemble Manager) is a senior Theatre Arts (B.A.) major here at Catawba College. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, she is grateful to have found her way here! You might have seen her both onstage and off here at Catawba and in the community. Aslyn is thrilled to be working on this production as both a child wrangler and a member of the ensemble and is very thankful for the opportunity. She would love to give a huge shout out to all of the young people in this show and the work they have put into it! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Rocky Hood (Performer Flying - ZFX Flying Effects/Flying Director) 

Jennie Conner (she/her) (Stage Manager) is a junior Design and Production major here at Catawba! She is often found backstage stage-managing shows such as Urinetown:The Musical, Carrie:The Musical, and Alabaster. Outside of stage management at Catawba, she can be found in other roles such as assistant stage manager and deck captain for the outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or working on electrics for shows such as Natural Shocks and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. She hopes you have a whimsical time in Oz and can’t wait to take you over the rainbow!

Andrew Grissom (he/him) (Assistant Stage Manager) is a second-year Musical Theatre and Theatre Arts Administration double-major here at Catawba College. As the ASM of The Wizard of Oz, Andrew is excited that he gets to work on such a large project in a technical role that means a lot to him. Previously, Andrew worked backstage on Breadcrumbs (ASM/Run Crew) as well as both Becky Nurse of Salem (Run Crew) and Urinetown (Run Crew). He hopes you enjoy the show and all the work everyone has put into it!

Luca Narciso (he/him) (Technical Director/Fly Captain) is a First Year and is the Technical Director & Fly Captain for this production! He is a Design and Production Major. He’s loved his time here having played Senator Fipp In Urinetown and he’s enjoyed Lighting Designing for Hand to God! When he's not working either behind the scenes or on stage, he loves to fix things and sew! He is super excited to blow minds with the craziness of this show. Luca wants to thank everyone who helped build it, acted in it, and & the Meco Wizard of Oz Soundtrack for making it all possible! He hopes you enjoy the show!!!

Katherine Oljeski (she/her) (Light Board Operator) is a Freshman majoring in Theater Design & Production and the LBO for Oz! Earlier in the school year, you may have spotted her on Urinetown or Hand to God, although this time around, she gets to get back to her high school roots and work in the booth. She's excited to work on a show with such a well-known property, and hope you enjoy the experience too!

Rose Moore (she/her) (Spot Operator) is a sophomore at Catawba College. She is a theater major and a counseling minor. Prior to The Wizard of Oz, she most recently worked the light board for the Hand To God.

Malachi Williams (he/him) (Run Crew) is a senior psychology major with minors in special education subjects and theatre arts. He is thrilled to be apart of a massive show like this and thanks the theatre for the opportunity to contribute to the show. You may have seen his previous works as George Chip in The Sunnyview Elementary Art Show, or his contributions to shows such as being the assistant stage manager for Carrie: The Musical and lighting designer for No Exit.  

Skye Sterrett-Spencer (they/themtheirs) (Fly Operator/Run Crew) is a Senior at Catawba College, and they are thrilled to be here in Oz! You may remember Skye from previous productions at Catawba, most recently in Hand to God (Pastor Greg) or Urinetown: The Musical (Bobby Strong). They are also proud to have worked backstage as the Assistant Stage Manager for Love/Sick. Skye would like to extend a special “thank you” to their family, friends, and wonderful fiance for continuing to support their goals, and they hope you enjoy the show!

Rylan Lowe (Conducting Observer) (he/him) is a Sophomore Entertainment Industries Major and Theatre Arts Minor. Having already composed a few pieces, he is looking to pursue a career in Music Direction, Conducting, and Composing. Rylan is a member of both the Blue Masque and DAS (Dead Athenian Society). He would like to thank Dr. J. Ben Jones for allowing him this opportunity, and he would like to thank his family for their love and support.

Haley White (she/her) (House Manager) is a Senior Theatre Arts Administration and Musical Theatre double major. Onstage, you may have seen in her Natural Shocks (Angela), Alabaster (Alice), Carrie: The Musical (Carrie White), Breadcrumbs (Beth/Mother), Love/Sick (Louise, Sarah, Liz, Emily), Goldilocks on Trial (Judge Hugo T. Wallabee / Melvin the Bailiff), & Hand to God (Margery). When offstage, Haley is always in the Box Office, serving as Box Office Manager and House Manager for Jekyll & Hyde, Avenue Q, No Exit, The Revolutionists, I Love You You're Perfect Now Change, A Midsummer Night's Dream, A Night w/ David Ives, Urinetown, Becky Nurse of Salem, and now Wizard of Oz! She is also the Blue Masque Secretary, a member of Alpha Psi Omega (Catawba's Theatre Honors Society), and the Theatre Management Studio's Work Study! She wishes the best to the company of The Wizard of Oz and is honored to be able to be a part of this process, as her final House Management position before graduation. Have a whimsical, wonderful, fantastically good day!

Dixie Myers (she/her) (Front of House) is a Freshman Theatre Arts Administration double major. Dixie worked wardrobe for Hand to God, and upcoming Front of House/Marketing for The Wizard of Oz. When Dixie is not working backstage, you will see her working many different positions on campus at Catawba College. Dixie is a Student Ambassador, an Orientation Leader, and the President of the Ultimate Car Club. She would like to thank her family and friends for always being there, and always believing in her.

Teddy Lepage (he/him) (Propsmaster/Spotlight Operator) is a sophomore at Catawba College. He is a BFA Theatre Arts Major with a concentration in Directing and Devising. His most recent technical position here was Stage Manager of Love/Sick. He has worked as a stagehand in several productions of The Nutcracker. He was also on the costume team for Catawba’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Allie Rahman (they/he/she) is a second-year theatre arts student from Louisville, KY, working towards a dual concentration BFA in Theatre Arts Design & Production and Performance. You might have seen some of their recent technical work in Hand to God (Scenic Design/Costume Design) A Night With David Ives (Costume Design), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Asst. Costume Design), and Carrie (A2). Although their involvement in Wizard is a bit unexpected, they are thrilled to be pulled into this twister of a show. Sending love to the cast and crew, who have made this theatre space a place like home.

Kamora Allen (Spotlight Operator)

Viper Schenck (They/He) (Scenic Art Charge/Fly-Op) is a Freshman Theatre Arts Directing and Devising major. You might recognize their artistic work from Urinetown (Scenic Art Charge) or recognize them from their acting in Love/Sick (Singing Telegram Man, Ben, Keith, Mark, Jake) and Becky Nurse of Salem (Stan). They’re thrilled to return to scenic art for this production, and would like to thank their amazing friends, family, and Meco Plays The Wizard of Oz. Enjoy the show!

Pavel Gabulle (he/him) (A1) (Live Sound Engineer) graduated from Catawba in 2025 with a B.A. in Popular Music and Digital Media Production. He works at Catawba for Conferences & Events as Senior IT Media Specialist assisting in all events around campus that require tech. He is also pursuing a Masters in Music Production at Berklee College of Music. He has worked both nationally and internationally doing live sound and is excited to do a musical again at Catawba as a sound engineer and not as a performer. He was in the pit for “Always, Patsy Cline”, “Avenue Q”, and others. He wants to thank the theater department for the opportunity to be able to be on the mixer for this show

Adison Schwab (she/her) (A2/Wardrobe) is a senior BFA Performance major at Catawba College from Lyman, South Carolina. She is excited to serve as A2 and Wardrobe Tech for The Wizard of Oz. Previous credits include Becky Nurse of Salem, Spring Awakening, and Carrie: The Musical. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their continued support.

Grayce Pittman (Marketing/Youth Ensemble Manager) is a Sophomore Theatre Arts Administration major. She feels honored to have been able to coordinate the marketing for this magical show. She thanks you for joining us on the Yellow Brick Road! To Oz! 

Laura Thompson (Angus' Owner)

Tracy Crotts (Toto Trainer) has provided training for Angus, who performs the role of Toto in this production.

Charlotte Williams

Ruby Thompson

Madelyn Yoder

Brooks Goodman

Madison Miller

Josie Vess 

Ella Williams

Larkyn McNeely

Ja’Lyn Howard 

Micah Stevenson 

Noah Partridge

Lincoln Holman 

AJ Holbrook

Audrey Townsend

Parker Hoffner

Courtney Scott (he/him)

Mia Cook

Heidi Cross 

Zoe Holmes

John Michael Muth

Jack Muth